About Us

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Sofia Warren began Invisible Bridges after a 20-year career in K-12 education, where she witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by foster youth attending the public school system in Southern California. Originally from the Midwest, and while attending Kansas City Kansas Community College, she was mentored by a loving family who were instrumental in preparing her for a successful adulthood. She also attended the University of Kansas, and while pursuing a degree in Political Science and International Relations, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Colombia, her family's country of origin, at the University Del  Atlantico where, albeit still in her early 20s, her natural  leadership skills and her bilingual capabilities caught the attention of faculty and was given an opportunity to teach English to College students.

Sofia Warren, as the spouse of a Marine who transitioned into law enforcement with the San Diego Police Department and California Highway Patrol, has firsthand knowledge of how a young adult's path can be significantly influenced by mentorship. A well-mentored young person can be guided towards a fulfilling career and a positive life trajectory. Conversely, a lack of proper guidance can lead young people down a path of crime, poverty, or other negative outcomes. Sofia's life-experience and her work with Invisible Bridges underscore the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Driven by a passion for helping vulnerable youth, Sofia established Invisible Bridges to provide essential services and resources to foster youth about to transition into the pivotal age of eighteen and life as an adult, when the foster youth program services unfortunately end. Sofia started Invisible Bridges to empower young adults to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to data-driven solutions, Sofia is successfully leading Invisible Bridges in developing impactful programs and partnerships. Her leadership is instrumental in creating a supportive community for foster youth, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive as young adults.

Born in 1969 in California and raised in Argentina, Lilian returned to the United States in 1998. Married for 27 years, she is the proud mother of two sons. Her journey with Invisible Bridges began with the unexpected autism diagnoses of both her sons. Navigating the challenges of the special needs system ignited a passion for advocacy and a deep understanding of the obstacles facing families. Lilian dedicated herself to learning about available resources, navigating complex policies, and sharing her knowledge with other families facing similar challenges.

In 2010, Lilian discovered the therapeutic power of dance. This led her to become a fitness dance instructor in 2012, where she found fulfillment in helping others through movement. She now has the privilege of teaching fitness classes to young adults in transition programs, a dream she has long cherished.

Driven by a deep desire to help vulnerable youth, Lilian co-founded Invisible Bridges. This passion was ignited by a poignant experience: witnessing a young man, aged out of the foster care system, struggling with homelessness and fear. This encounter solidified her commitment to ensuring that no child faces such adversity without the necessary support and guidance.

Lilian believes that Invisible Bridges provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, empowering them to overcome challenges and build a brighter future.

A dedicated public servant with a strong background in law enforcement and a passion for community service, Yvette Joyner brings a wealth of experience to Invisible Bridges.

Yvette began her career with honorable service in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1985, developing invaluable discipline and leadership skills. She further honed her expertise by earning a degree in Criminal Justice with honors in 1991. Her career path led her to serve in various roles within the juvenile justice system, including positions at Juvenile Hall and the Probation Department.

With 22 years of dedicated service in law enforcement at the San Diego Harbor Police Department, Yvette gained in-depth knowledge of community needs and developed a strong sense of duty towards public service.

Driven by a deep desire to support vulnerable youth, Yvette is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of foster children. She believes that every child deserves access to quality education, mental health services, and a stable environment to thrive.

As Public Relations Chair for Invisible Bridges, Yvette will leverage her experience and network to build strong community partnerships, advocate for increased resources for foster children, and raise awareness about the critical needs of this vulnerable population.

A retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel with over 30 years of leadership experience, Winston brings a unique blend of military discipline, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to community service to the role of Treasurer at Invisible Bridges. He possesses a proven track record of success in both the military and private sectors, having successfully implemented continuous process improvement programs and led high-performing teams.

Winston's passion for social impact is evident in his prior work with non-profits in Latin America, where he leveraged blockchain technology to promote financial inclusion among marginalized communities. He holds an MBA from Webster University and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. His expertise extends beyond leadership, encompassing Lean Six Sigma (Master Black Belt), organizational change management, public affairs, and strategic communications honed during his military career and while providing strategic communications services to federal agencies.

With his strong ethical foundation, honed during his military service, and a deep understanding of financial management, Winston is committed to ensuring the responsible and transparent stewardship of Invisible Bridges' resources. He will leverage his skills and experience to drive the organization's financial sustainability and ensure that every dollar maximizes its impact in supporting vulnerable youth.

With a diverse background spanning healthcare, business, and the arts, our Director of Marketing brings a unique perspective to Invisible Bridges. Her journey began in the 90s, supporting HIV counseling and education, fostering a deep understanding of community needs. She then served as a Health & Safety Educator with the Burn Institute of the Red Cross, in partnership with San Diego State University, for five years, demonstrating a commitment to impactful outreach. Transitioning to the business sector, she managed an Import/Export office before a successful 10-year career in real estate with McMillan and Tarbell Realty. For over two decades, while homeschooling, she also served as the Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Academy of Ballet Arts (ABA), a prestigious international ballet studio, showcasing her ability to build and promote a strong brand. This rich tapestry of experience, from public health to business and the arts, equips her with the ability to effectively communicate Invisible Bridges' mission and expand its reach.